You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world. They are from the world and therefore speak from the viewpoint of the world, and the world listens to them. We are from God, and whoever knows God listens to us; but whoever is not from God does not listen to us. This is how we recognize the Spirit of truth and the spirit of falsehood. 1 John 4:4-6 (NIV)

I like to keep my office well-stocked with peanut M&Ms. There is something quite enjoyable about finding the one (or the handful) with the perfect blend of chocolate and peanut flavors. I have a hard time eating plain M&Ms because I feel like something is missing. My mouth is watering as I think about this daily experience now. This savory blend is occasionally replaced when I encounter a peanut with a distinct bitter or spoiled taste, and, no matter how many more I eat, the bitterness seems to linger.

The exterior size, shape, and color provide no way to distinguish between a good and bad peanut M&M. Instead, the true quality is determined by digging down through the layers of candy coating and chocolate to the core and performing the peanut taste test.

By our taste buds, we determine what is wholesome to the body and what is not. In the same way, John encourages us to discern what is Truth and what is not. In some way our lives can be compared to the candy coating and chocolate, that, when stripped away, reveal the sweet character of Jesus. However, when we place ourselves at the center, there is a distinct bitter and spoiled taste.

If you were to perform a peanut taste test on your life, who would be at your core: Jesus or yourself?

Father, please help us to always keep Jesus at our core. Fill us with the sweet savor of your Son. Amen.